Maria Rousakis (or Rousaki) is a Greek-American author of over 20 children's books, ranging from picture books to middle-grade novels.
Her first book, "Unique Melpo" was awarded by the Greek Chapter of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) in 2002 while in 2003 it was translated in English as, "Unique Monique" (Kane/Miller, 2003). "Unique Monique" was awarded the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Book Award in the U.S. in 2003. Apart from being a Kane/Miller best-seller, it was also a feature book for the PBS Kids television series, "The Reading Rainbow". The same book has been sold rights to in Korea and Taiwan.
Maria successfully had two more picturebooks translated into Korean: "The Feather Princess" and "How to Care for your Monster". Furthermore, in 2004 her middle-grade novel, "The Lemon Trees" was nominated for the National Book Award. Her second middle-grade novel, "Swimming in Deep Water" was shortlisted for the National Book Award in 2006.
Her works have been appraised by acclaimed critics in both the U.S. and Greece. Maria has been interviewed for magazines, newspapers and radio programs. Her books have also appeared on television (channels ET1, and Alpha).
Apart from enjoying book readings at schools and local bookstores, she is also the Regional Advisor of SCBWI Greece.
Maria's list of works include:
Unique Melpo (Papadopoulos, 2001) picture book for ages 4-8
Who Listens to Melpo... (Papadopoulos, 2003) picturebook for ages 4-8
The Lemon Trees (Papadopoulos, 2004) middle-grade novel for ages 9-12
Swimming in Deep Water (Papadopoulos, 2006) middle-grade novel for ages 9-12
The Feather Princess (Papadopoulos, 2006) picture book for ages 5-9
Matoula's Halves (Papadopoulos, 2007) paperback picture book for beginning readers
Simina's Striped Sock (Kedros, 2002) a Christmas picture book for ages 3-6
A Plot of Land for Simina (Kedros, 2003) picture book for ages 3-6
Simina, You're a Star (Kedros, 2004) picture book for ages 3-6
Red Candy in the Morning (Kedros, 2007) picture book for ages 4-8
How to Care for your Monster (Patakis, 2007) paperback picture book for beginning readers
I have a Magic Room (NEOSET & Papadopoulos, 2008) hardcover picture book
Mr. Kiouk has the Hiccups (Metaichmio, 2009) paperback picture book for beginning readers
The Brother with No Front Teeth (Patakis, 2009) paperback picture book for beginning readers
Donuts for Lucas (Psichogios, 2009) paperback picture book for beginning readers
I Like to Scream! (Metaichmio, 2010) paperback picture book for beginning readers
The Dancing Words (Papadopoulos, 2010) paperback picture book for beginning readers
The Princess Madalena series: The Perfect Birthday, Fairy Godmother's Gift, Tea with Friends, The Magic Book, In the Enchanted Forest, The School Paper (Papadopoulos, 2010) hardcover picture book series
The Schoolbus Bully (Psichogios, 2010) paperback picture book for beginning readers
I'm Not a Snitch! (Patakis, 2010) paperback picture book for beginning readers
Pink Hair (Psichogios, 2011)
Coming soon:
Helen Keller (Kedros, 2011) middle-grade biography/non-fiction novel
Reos the Rat (Metaichmio, 2012)
